Reducing HIV/STD Risk Behaviors: A Research Study for Women in Drug Abuse Treatment
Susan Tross, Ph.D. Lead Investigator HIV Center New York State Psychiatric Institute 1051 Riverside Dr., Unit 15 New York, NY 10032 st130@columbia.edu

Women in drug-using communities are one of the fastest growing groups of people with AIDS in the U.S. Female drug users, even if they are in drug treatment, are at especially high risk for heterosexual transmission of HIV. First, they are often in primary sexual relationships with male drug users. Second, like their male peers, despite treatment, some continue to use drugs. Under the influence of drugs, especially cocaine or crack, they are more likely to engage in unprotected sex. It has been shown that drug abuse treatment can reduce activities related to drug use that increase the risk of getting or transmitting HIV. These behaviors have received less attention, however, than those directly related to drug use. This study looks at a program for women in drug abuse treatment designed to build safer sexual skills and reduce unprotected sexual risk behavior. The program includes five sessions of group treatment that focus on assessing HIV risk, HIV safer sex problem-solving, condom use, negotiation, and assertiveness training. This program will be compared to one session of HIV/STD education, which is typically provided as standard in drug treatment clinics.

Primary Findings: This protocol proved that a gender-specific, skills building intervention was effective and sustainable in reducing risk behavior in women in community drug treatment programs. Source: Tross S, et al. Effectiveness of HIV/STD sexual risk reduction groups for women in substance abuse treatment programs: Results of a NIDA Clinical Trials Network trial. Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes 2008;48(5):581-588. [get article]

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